Awards

THE WINNER OF THE FASAVA-HILL’S PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 2024

Congratulations to Dr. Amilan Sivagurunathan, the winner of the FASAVA-Hill’s Practitioner of the Year Award for 2024!

Dr. Amilan’s passion for wildlife medicine led him to perform groundbreaking cataract surgeries on various captive species, including the world’s first cataract surgery on an orang utan along with a team of visiting specialists. He is regularly invited to speak at regional veterinary CPDs, international congresses, and has numerous publications.

As the Immediate Past President of the Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association (MSAVA), Dr. Amilan has served as MSAVA President twice, from 2015-2017 and 2021-2023. He has also been an adjunct lecturer at @uniputramalaysia (UPM) and @officialumk (UMK).

His dedication to veterinary medicine has earned him numerous accolades, including the Anugerah Mengenang Jasa (AMJ) and the Meritorious Service Award by WSAVA. Dr. Amilan’s contributions have significantly impacted both the local and regional veterinary community.

MSAVA’S NOMINATION FOR THE FASAVA-HILL’S PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2018

Congratulation to Dr. Yeoh Eng Cheong on being awarded as FASAVA 2018 Practitioner of The Year.

Dr Yeoh Eng Cheong obtained his Veterinary degree in 1975. From graduation, till today he is a full time Companion Animal Practitioner. During the early seventies, Malaysia Companion Animal practice was still in its infancy stage and only a handful of small animal clinics existed. He is one of the pioneer veterinarians that endorsed the importance of premium commercial pet food and proper nutrition, and now emphasized the importance of prescription diets for prevention and as part of treatment of many diseases. Being operating in basic practice and no access to internet and overseas continuing education, Dr. Yeoh and his fellow practitioners mooted the formation of Small Animal Practitioners Association of Malaysia (SAPAM) which was officially registered on 30th January 1991. The name SAPAM was later changed to Malaysian Small Animals Veterinary Association (MSAVA) when the association went National and upgraded its constitution.

Dr. Yeoh became the President of MSAVA for 4 consecutive years (1995-1999). During his tenure, he strongly emphasized and promoted continuing professional education. With limited financial support and sponsors, he persistently encouraged local practitioners to present and share their knowledges and experiences pertaining to companion animal practice. Dr. Yeoh was the first speaker of the SAPAM Veterinary congress amongst members. When the association finances became better, Dr. Yeoh and his committee managed to invited speakers from regional countries like Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and India to be speakers of subsequent congresses. With the enthusiasm of the members and hungry for further enhancing their Veterinary knowledge, Dr. Yeoh volunteered to take the journey to the WSAVA congress in 1998 Buenos Aires, Argentina and managed to get MSAVA voted in as member country of WSAVA. Since then Dr. Yeoh became MSAVA representative to WSAVA for 6 years with the blessing of MSAVA.

Being member country of WSAVA, Dr. Yeoh succeeded in organising for five consecutive years WSAVA continuing education programs in Malaysia covering Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Endoscopy, Ophthalmology and Neurology.

MSAVA NOMINATION FOR THE FASAVA-HILL’S PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2018 [121KB,PDF]

FASAVA 2014 PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR

Congratulation to DATUK DR. S. SIVAGURUNATHAN on being awarded as FASAVA 2014 Practitioner of The Year.

Datuk Dr. S. Sivagurunathan graduated from the University of Punjab, Lahore in 1968. After few years of practice in government veterinary centre, he established his private practice in 1972 and pioneered modern veterinary practice standards through strong leadership, drive and perseverance. He build a legacy based on his vision of good standards of practice through quality dependable healthcare and through establishing international ethical and welfare standards within his business and practices.

Apart from his recognition as a reputable veterinary surgeon, he stands as the Executive Chairman of Medivet Group, the largest small animal healthcare group in the country oversees veterinary hospitals, pet nutrition, retail outlets and consultancy services for the government in the agricultural livestock sector.

His most laudable achievement is his personal role in spear heading and promoting Animal Welfare. He established the Malaysian National Animal Welfare Foundation (MNAWF) in 1997.

He authored a book named “Pets Have Feelings Too” which served as a platform to highlight the evolution of veterinary care, ethical and welfare standards in Malaysia and to build public awareness in the importance of addressing animal welfare issues through the veterinary professional body, Veterinary Association Malaysia (VAM). Dr Siva had lectured on animal welfare, veterinary ethics and professional conduct at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at University Putra Malaysia (UPM) since year 2001.

Congratulation to Dr. Gopinathan Gangadharan has received Anugerah Mengenang Jasa Award from Malaysian Veterinary Medical Association (MAVMA) in 2021

3rd FAVA-WAP ASIAN ANIMAL WELFARE AWARD 2018 @ 20th FAVA CONGRESS BALI

Congratulation to DATUK DR. S. SIVAGURUNATHAN.

Award was presented during the 20th Congress of the Federation of Asian Veterinary Association in Bali – Indonesia 30th October

WSAVA 2018 MARY LAURA KONG MIN AWARD FOR GLOBAL MERITORIOUS SERVICE

To Honor Dr. Amilan Sivagurunathan

WSAVA 2018 Award for Global Meritorious Service [116KB,PDF]

THE WSAVA – THE HENRY SCHEIN CARES INTERNATIONAL VETERINARY COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Henry Schein Press Release [168KB,PDF]

To Honor Dr. Gopinathan Gangadharan

For outstanding community service in animal health and welfare, in particular for his role as the longest continuously serving committee member of the Malaysia Small Animal Veterinary Association, and as the coordinator of the Animal Care Project, a nationwide social welfare project designed to improve the awareness of animal welfare and care among the public.

WSAVA AWARDS 2015

In May 2015, Datuk Dr. S. Sivagurunathan received the prestigious WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) – Hill’s Excellence in Veterinary Health Care award.

The award recognizes the outstanding work of veterinarians in promoting companion animal healthcare and the Family-Pet-Veterinary bond. Through a special sensitivity to both clients and patient using leading-edge clinical nutrition, advance medical and surgical techniques, their work helps enrich and lengthen the special relationship between people and their pets.

Datuk Dr. S. Sivagurunathan presenting his paper titled, Challenges against the odds in companion animal practice in Asia, during the WSAVA Bangkok.

He attributes his success to his family and acknowledged his mentors Dr. Mark Morris Snr, Dr. Leo Bustad and Dr. William G. Whittick, whose mentoring are profoundly significant to his practice. They have paved the way for exactly what a veterinarian should offer and for what companion animal health deserves.

NOMINATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR WSAVA 2018 AWARDS

WSAVA Next Generation Award
This award acknowledges an exemplary young professional who has contributed to the betterment of animal life, the veterinary profession and society. Qualification:

1. 1. • Has graduated with a veterinary degree within the past 10 years
      • Work focusses on companion animals
      • Has an active track record in local/regional or international community
      • Is Socially responsible (i.e. part of projects that emphasize either One Health, Animal Welfare or the Human-Animal Bond)
      • Active in professional development (i.e. Involved in Changing the way people do clinical practice, organize CPD etc.)
      • Record of public, professional or other veterinary related services
      • Is a Local pioneer to bridge the gap between their generation and the others

WSAVA International Award for Scientific Achievement
This award is based on outstanding contributions by a veterinarian who has had a significant impact on the advancement of knowledge concerning the cause, detection, cure and/or control of disorders of companion animals.

WSAVA Global Meritorious Service Award
The Award which is to be presented annually during the WSAVA Congress is awarded to a veterinarian who in the opinion of the judges has contributed meritorious service to the veterinary profession in the broadest sense which may be as a general practitioner, an academic veterinary surgeon or a veterinarian working in management or for a company.The judging committee will look for candidates with a history of serving the profession by taking voluntary roles on professional organizations over a period of years as well as exhibiting professional expertise within their working life. The award is international but the committee will consider strongly candidates from the WSAVA regions where the Congress is situated that year when making a choice for this award.

WSAVA Companion Animal Welfare Award
This award is presented to a veterinarian (or veterinary-team member) in recognition of that individual’s contribution to companion animal welfare at a local, regional or international level. This contribution may relate to leadership, public service, education, research, product development, and/or advocacy. The award is intended to not only recognise this important contribution, but to increase the global community’s awareness of the essential role veterinarians play as advocates of animal welfare.

The WSAVA-The Henry Schein Cares International Veterinary Community Service Award
This award recognizes veterinarians who have exhibited exceptional acts of valour and commitment in the face of adversity to service the community. The contribution could be specific to the veterinary community or beyond.

SAPAM AWARD (SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY)

FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA 

FINAL YEAR VETERINARY UNDERGRADUATE WHO DEMONSTRATED THE HIGHEST SKILLS AND INTEREST IN SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY (Award value of RM 1,000 cash prize with certificate)

MSAVA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY

FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA

FINAL YEAR VETERINARY UNDERGRADUATE WHO DEMONSTRATED THE HIGHEST SKILLS AND INTEREST IN SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY (Award value of RM 1,000 cash prize with certificate)

MSAVA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE 2020

JASMINE CHEAH KAR MUNN

FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA KELANTAN

MSAVA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE 2020

LEE JIA XIN

FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA

MSAVA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE 2019

MARY LAURA KONG MIN

“Hi Dr, my cat has not been feeling well lately. Can you please take a look?” Words that I hear every day from clients since working in the Small Animal industry after graduation. Looking back at how far I’ve come and achieved, I would never have thought I could be where I am today, living my childhood dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Work doesn’t seem like work at all when you’re doing what you love and you’re fuelled by passion. It is truly an honour to be given this award from MSAVA. For the past 5 years of my DVM student life, all I’ve tried to do was my best, hoping it would be enough to graduate. But when God gives his blessings, he pours it. Graduating vet school was already an achievement that seemed so surreal, but to win such a prestigious award from MSAVA, all I can say is that I am overwhelmed. This award doesn’t just belong to me, but it belongs to the people that have supported me in my journey, my family, lecturers, and friends. Once again, millions of gratitude for the award. It will serve as a motivation to be the best version of myself, for the animals.

MSAVA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE 2019

KATTY LAU KAI QI
FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA KELANTAN

I have always dreamt of becoming a small animal practitioner to treat our furry friends and hence there is no doubt that small animal related subjects are important for me to achieve my dreams. I am thus very grateful to be honored the BEST IN SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE award from Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association (MSAVA). To survive in veterinary school is hard, and it is harder to excel at it. I would not have achieved this without the guidance and support from my beloved faculty, lecturers, clinicians and all the staffs. Once again, a heartfelt thanks to MSAVA for honoring me this award. I am even more motivated to contribute in the small animal fraternity!

MSAVA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE 2018

YAP KAI SIN
FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA KELANTAN

“It is a great honour for me to receive Small Animal Medicine Award from Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association (MSAVA). Being honest, the journey towards these five years was not easy, in fact it came with joyful, tear, sweat and happiness. Above all, I am thankful to all the professors, doctors, lecturers, clinicians and staffs from UMK and my family members. Without them, things wouldn’t have turned out so well and best and I wouldn’t have been possible to complete my degree of doctor of veterinary medicine in UMK without their moral support and inspiration. The inspiration and motivation given by them have been inspired me to become a small animal practitioner. This award not only belong to me, but also to all of the professors, doctors, lecturers and clinicians from UMK who advising me and guided me throughout my study in UMK. Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association (MSAVA) that giving me this award. Thanks MSAVA, thank you very much for honouring me with this award. I am happy to join veterinary fraternity.”.

MSAVA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY 2018

JEYAMANI KUPPUSAMY
FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA

“After the 5 swift years, I can finally say that I have achieved my dream of becoming a veterinarian with this Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M), UPM degree, but well of course I would need many more years to become the professional that I aspire to be. Every day is a brand-new day for me, carrying the joy of exponential knowledge curve and receiving this award has just amplified my motivation towards the correct attitude and drive to improve myself to eventually achieve my dream of being the best version of myself for veterinary medicine”. “This award not just belongs to me but also to people who were my pillar of strength especially my family, lecturers, faculty members and my classmates, now colleagues. Special appreciation to Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association (MSAVA) for the award which symbolizes that my journey as a veterinarian has just begun and the journey will continue as long as I live. I will put this award to the best usage as a channel to build the basement for my continuous education and career improvement in veterinary medicine. Highest gratitude to MSAVA again for allowing me to be a part of these prestigious group of professionals which I view as a golden window of opportunity to gain more knowledge and be inspired in this noble field and continue serving our patients, society and nation”.

MSAVA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY 2017

YONG SUIT-B
FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA

“It was another eventful day in the small animal clinic today. Working and running through cases with my senior veterinarians as I just left vet school few months ago. I am living my dream, an idea which sparkled since I was 4-years old. From dreaming and believing, I studied 8 long years to graduating with a ‘Diploma of Animal Health and Production’ and a ‘Doctor of Veterinary Medicine’. It was already one of the best things in my life. Receiving the Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association Excellence Award is definitely a sweetener to my journey”. “Thank you Malaysia Small Animal Veterinary Association for your generosity and thoughtfulness to welcome and empower young veterinarians like me to join the veterinary fraternity. It gives me great confidence to know that my hard work, perseverance, passion and love for the animals under my care is being recognized. Those heart-warming and extraordinary feelings when an animal lights up while juggling a hectic vet school life always make my day. It is an honour to belong to a profession who are guardians for the voiceless and of significance to the society’s wellbeing and development. There’s an exciting vast field for me to explore, in which this cash award would help me kick start my professional development courses. Thank you MSAVA! This award is an excellent motivation and encouragement for me to continue to do my best to uphold the veterinary profession and contribute to the health and wellbeing of animals and community”.

MSAVA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE 2017

IVY JOY TOH JOY LYNN
FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA KELANTAN 

“I am glad to be the first recipient from UMK for the MSAVA award for Excellence in Small Animal Medicine is an understatement. I was elated! A giddy mixture of unexplainable emotions that ranged from surprise to disbelief to appreciation. It is nice to know that all those long hours on the field and in the farms; those unsightly scratches and bruises we wore as badges of honour on our arms; the sweat, blood, tears and animal faeces, was well worth it at the end. Of course this award belongs to me as much as it does to my lecturers and clinicians, my batchmates and my family, all of whom have been monumental pillars throughout vet school. This award, I plan to contribute towards my continuing education, hoping to further my studies in fields that I am passionate in: cardiology & nutrition. I believe it is vital that we constantly improve and update our knowledge and skill sets in order to keep abreast with the latest in our profession but more importantly, to provide the best for our fur-patients. There’s still so much to learn as a young small animal practitioner and I am excited for the journey ahead. My utmost gratitude to MSAVA for their generosity in helping to make this dream of mine a reality. I am truly honoured to be a part of such a prestigious and exclusive fraternity”.

MSAVA OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD

This award is presented to Dr. Clement Anthony for having served with dedication and distinction in various positions in the Executive Council for period 1992 – 2014.

MSAVA offers a prize consist of a trophy, cash and certificate for the best oral case report/research report presentation at the National Scientific Conference this year. The presentations are judged in terms on the quality of the written abstract, scientific content and oral presentation. The aim of the award is to encourage MSAVA members and veterinary students to share clinical cases and research findings among the small animal practitioners and scientific community or personal development of the winner. The awards are decided by a panel of judges and the award will be presented at the end of the conference.

MSAVA BEST CLINICAL CASE REPORT AWARD 2019

PRIZE: RM150 with certificate

MANAGEMENT OF RECURRENT COMPOUND UROLITHIASIS AND CYSTITIS IN A MINIATURE SCHAUNZER

AWARD RECIPIENT: DR. SASIDARAN KRISNASAMY

(Km Animal Clinic & Surgery, Taman Perindustrian Batu Caves, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia)

MSAVA BEST ORAL PRESENTATION AWARD 2019

PRIZE: RM 300, trophy and certificate

MOLECULAR DETECTION OF A NOVEL HEPADNAVIRUS IN MALAYSIAN DOMESTIC CATS

AWARD RECIPIENT: DR. KHANMANI ANPUANANDAM

(Faculty Of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia)

MSAVA BEST CLINICAL RESEARCH AWARD 2018 (JUDGES’ CHOICE)

PRIZE: RM150 with certificate

AWARD RECIPIENT: DR. YONG HUI CHIN

(Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia)

RETROSPECTIVE SURVEY ON REASONS AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF DOGS UNDERGONE LIMB AMPUTATION IN UVH, UPM FROM YEAR 2011 TO 2017

MSAVA BEST ORAL PRESENTATION AWARD 2018

PRIZE: RM 300, trophy and certificate

AWARD RECIPIENT: MISS NG SHING WEI

(Institute of Bioscience and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia)

CLINICAL STUDY ON EFFICACY OF CURCUMIN CONJUGATED CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES IN CATS DIAGNOSED WITH FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS

MSAVA BEST CLINICAL CASE REPORT AWARD 2018 (JUDGES’ CHOICE)

PRIZE: RM 150 with certificate

AWARD RECIPIENT: DR. MELLISSA AW HEY MUN

(Gasing Veterinary Hospital)

STEROID-RESPONSIVE MENINGITIS-ARTERITIS WITH CONCURRENT C6-C7 RIGHT NERVE ROOT COMPRESSION IN A YOUNG BEAGLE DOG 

MSAVA ANIMAL WELFARE AWARD 2022

Dr.  Manikam Kumarasamy

Dr.  Ranjit Kaur Mendir

MSAVA ANIMAL WELFARE AWARD 2018

This award is presented to Datuk Dr. S. Sivagurunathan in conjunction with World Veterinary Day 2018